IOPC investigating actions of Greater Manchester Police officers following death in custody in Wigan

Our independent investigation into the death of a man in police custody in Wigan continues to make progress.

Ellis Rocks, 26, died in hospital on Sunday 3 August after he was found unresponsive in custody.

We established that Mr Rocks was detained after being approached by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers inside the Britannia Hotel on Almond Brook Road in Standish, Wigan, at around 8.35pm on Thursday 31 July. He was handcuffed and searched by attending officers at the scene before being transferred to custody.

Mr Rocks remained in custody overnight and an ambulance was called by detention officers at approximately 2.30am on Friday 1 August after he was seen to be unresponsive and lying on the floor in a cell.

As part of our ongoing investigation, three GMP officers have been advised they are being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour at the level of misconduct. While a further two GMP officers are being investigated for potential gross misconduct. The serving of notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.

Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remains in its early stages, however no concerns have been identified at this time regarding any use of force by GMP officers.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “We have been in contact with Mr Rocks’s family to update them on the progress of our investigation and have been informed of the latest development. Our thoughts remain with all family and friends and anyone affected by his death.

“While we’ve notified a number of officers they are under investigation, this does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will automatically follow. At the end of our investigation, we will determine whether any individuals should face disciplinary proceedings.

“It’s important that we continue to carry out an independent and thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

“The family have asked for privacy and to not be approached by reporters at this difficult time. Please may I ask for their wishes to be respected.”

As part of our evidence-gathering process, we have reviewed CCTV from the custody suite and officers’ body-worn video footage involved in the arrest. We have also been in touch with the force about receiving initial accounts from the officers involved.